Bright hopes for illuminations gala as groups pledge support

So far, 15 groups, organisations, councils and companies have promised to take part in the annual night-time spectacle.

This year's event will take place on Sunday, August 30, on the bank holiday weekend.

The volunteers planning the occasion, Bognor Regis Seafront Lights, hope the theme of Fun will be easy enough to encourage plenty of entrants in the three main classes of floats, walking and bicycles/prams.

They also hope more entries will come forward in the final week to further boost the numbers in the parade.

Best entries in the categories win the following prizes: 1 '“ 50 and trophy, 2 '“ 25 and trophy, 3 '“ 15 and trophy for the illuminated floats and walking groups.

The prizes for the illuminated pram, bicycle or sole person are 25, 15 and 10.

Lights chairman Jason Passingham said: "It is very encouraging to have so much interest in the gala so early on.

"We always get a few who enter in the last week or so. So the event is looking good. We have definitely benefited from having the carnival back again.

"Many groups can do a float or costume they can use twice rather than just once, which makes it all the more worth the effort. One or two have said they are entering because they don't want to see community events such as this fold due to a lack of support."

The gala is sponsored by the Bognor Regis Observer and Bognor Regis Town Council and is supported by Arun District Council.

Last year's gala looked like being the end of the lit-up procession because of the struggle in getting entries.

The final line-up saw ten groups complete the route between West Park and the pier. But the lights volunteers were encouraged to carry on by the amount of support they received after they said the gala could be doomed.

More than 100 invitations to join in this year's procession were sent out. The lighting team hopes businesses, sports clubs and other community groups who have yet to commit themselves will use the procession to promote their good causes.

This year will again see two full-scale marching bands lead and end the procession. It will leave West Park about 8pm.

Any group stuck for bulbs and cables to decorate its float will be able to borrow some for a donation to the lights.

A local company is also prepared to help supply lorries, again for a donation towards the lights.

Late entries should be sent to The Secretary, Bognor Regis Seafront Lights, c/o Visitor Information Centre, Belmont Street, Bognor Regis, PO21 1BJ, giving contact names and details and class being entered.

More details from Greg Burt by email: [email protected] or 01243 862287.

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